Black Witch

Subject: Moth Location: San Fernando, CA August 22, 2014 5:31 pm Friend found this in his home in San Fernando, CA. It’s huge Signature: J Lytle

Black Witch

Dear J Lytle, This impressive moth is a Black Witch, and they are found in the American neotropics. They are a common species in Mexico and each year at the end of summer, individuals fly north, some reaching as far north as Alaska. Though they are unable to naturalize in the northern climes, larvae have been found in Southern California, though most sightings in the continental US are of migrants. This individual is a male Black Witch.

Thanks so much for the information. I have a copy of Hogue’s Insects of the LA Basin, and the Black Witch photo didn’t look like this, but all your sources do! Best, Jeanie Lytle